The tree has been trimmed, noses have been painted red, all the girls have sung Christmas carols, and cookies have been eaten. Tree Trim 2013 has come already. It seems like Tree Trim came really fast this year because, well, last Thursday was Thanksgiving! Even though there was not a lot of time between Thanksgiving and Tree Trim, everyone was ready to celebrate this festive event.
Tree Trim is a big tradition at NDP, where the entire school (yes, the high school AND the middle level) gathers to sing Christmas carols and eat cookies and overall celebrate the Christmas season. Before the caroling, girls can dress up for the occasion by having their noses painted red and putting on brown pipe cleaner antlers. The caroling takes place in the foyer, and the cookie feast follows directly after in the cafeteria. This tradition sounds relatively simple, but there is really so much more to it than what meets the eye. Tree Trim is a hugely anticipated day for all of the girls. On the day of tree trim, the girls are allowed to wear “festive” Christmas sweaters, which is always a big hit. The girls enjoy baking the cookies for Tree Trim, and by Tree Trim time, there are dozens and dozens of cookies waiting for hungry carolers. Tree Trim is not something that can just be described in words; it is really something special that must be experienced first-hand.
The girls sang songs like “Jingle Bells,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” In between songs, prizes were raffled off, and Christmas jokes were told. Each advisory brought a unique ornament to hang on a special tree especially for them. Many of the ornaments included a picture of the advisory members or a Baltimore theme. Some homerooms went traditional and made ornaments with holly leaves or snowflakes. Altogether, the tree looked great, and I think everyone had a fun time collaborating on the ornaments. Finally, after the caroling, the cookie eating, and an appearance from Santa, I think it is safe to say that everyone had a great time at Tree Trim this year.
Merry Christmas!
Picture Courtesy: Rebecca Vincent